Hey guys, just registered but I've been a lurker for a while on the forums.. Making my heroic return to the Boston area (Cambridge, to be more specific) on Friday after 3 months at the University of Cincinnati as a freshman studying Industrial Design. Anyone know of anything happening from roughly the 11th until New Year's?

So, I formerly had something on that day, but my plans changed. Is it worth $50 in train tickets to get there from Albany, or should I wait for another meetup to come around? Also, is anyone going to PAX East?

That stuff is pretty awesome, but I don't know how well it'd go over in Boston. A few years ago, they thought those Aqua Teen Hunger Force LED thingies were bombs. If they found a theater in a tunnel, they'd probably assume it was to show terrorist training videos. If you do set something up somewhere, maybe leave a copy of that Wired article there to dissuade them of that.

That stuff is pretty awesome, but I don't know how well it'd go over in Boston. A few years ago, they thought those Aqua Teen Hunger Force LED thingies were bombs. If they found a theater in a tunnel, they'd probably assume it was to show terrorist training videos. If you do set something up somewhere, maybe leave a copy of that Wired article there to dissuade them of that.

Oh come on. The BPD isn't that stupid. They've learned by now. Menino knows that the reaction was a pretty stupid move and I doubt it will happen again (on a side note that incident led to the resignation of a perfectly good CEO and the appointment of one who's turned another television channel to swill).

We have some good places to explore around here. Unfortunately most of the islands require boats.... but the mainland has some cool stuff too.

I doubt the Boston Bomb Scare would play a big role. I refuse to let it tarnish my great city!

Is there a term for a repeat lurker? Like, someone who pops in and reads periodically, posts once in a blue moon, and then throws a smoke grenade and disappears into the night?

Anyway, that's me. Been taking care of a sick gf for several years, and that + ongoing unemployment have atrophied my social skills and my ability to competently follow message boards. So, quick, random person, what non-depressing activities might I be able to get it on with a modicum of notice?

In Boston? You can take the T to Revere Beach when it gets warm and enjoy the sun and such. I also recommend Pizza from the seafront pizza stand called Bianchi's, which is amazing.

Belle Isle is nice, as is a lot of our nature places. The Fens, Charles River. All are decently okay.

If you're looking for a non-outside thing, I can recommend the Museum of Science if you're feeling down and want to see interesting things to distract you. The Museum of Fine Arts, while not having the same excited environment as the MoS, is also pretty fascinating and has enough content to occupy you for long periods of time.

As for social activities you can attend by yourself but still be social... I dunno.

You can check out Societies of Spontaneity and Banditos Misteriosos. They each hold events throughout the year, many on weekends, that are T accessible. SoS organizes the Boston chapter of the No Pants Subway Ride that was held last month and Banditos has their annual pillow fight coming up in April, IIRC. April 28 is also Dash for a Difference. http://www.bostonsos.org/adventure-blog/42-boston/368-dash-for-a-difference.html You can sign up and get together friends for a team, or join an existing team. A lot of these events can be good silly fun and allow you to get out and socialize w/ others.

Disclaimer: In the interest of transparency, I participate in SoS events, especially the No Pants Subway Ride.

For me, it helps as I'm not that good at getting out and being social myself.

"The Universe is for raptors now!" say Raptors, as they take over all of Universe.

Anyone else going to see Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys at Brighton Hall on the 16th? A dozen or so steampunk clad musicians, dancers and performance artists sing jaunty tunes about drowning at sea. I'll be the tall, thin, mid-30s white guy with long hair and glasses.

Isaac Hill wrote:Anyone else going to see Walter Sickert and the Army of Broken Toys at Brighton Hall on the 16th? A dozen or so steampunk clad musicians, dancers and performance artists sing jaunty tunes about drowning at sea. I'll be the tall, thin, mid-30s white guy with long hair and glasses.

I'll be that really attractive, age appropriate girl you really wish you could talk to, but you're afraid. It's ok! Talk to me! Oh and I will pretend I don't know about XKCD or the fora, or this conversation, so don't let that throw you. I just want the moment to feel authentic and non-pre-meditated.

"She’s a free spirit, a wind-rider, she’s at one with nature, and walks with the kodama eidolons”